| parachute | 1. A contrivance somewhat in the form of an umbrella, by means of which a descent may be made from a balloon, or any eminence. 2. <zoology> A web or fold of skin which extends between the legs of certain mammals, as the flying squirrels, colugo, and phalangister. Parachutist; parachuting. Parachute = verb Origin: F, fr. Paper to ward off, guard + chute a fall. See Parry, and Chute, Chance. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| parachute deformity | Congenital deformity of the mitral valve characterised by the presence of a single papillary muscle from which the chordae of both valve leaflets divide; thus the resemblance to a parachute; the condition often produces a stenosis as the combined result of the tugging action of the chordae on and the subsequent narrowing between the leaflets. Synonym: parachute deformity. (05 Mar 2000) |
| parachute mitral valve | Congenital deformity of the mitral valve characterised by the presence of a single papillary muscle from which the chordae of both valve leaflets divide; thus the resemblance to a parachute; the condition often produces a stenosis as the combined result of the tugging action of the chordae on and the subsequent narrowing between the leaflets. Synonym: parachute deformity. (05 Mar 2000) |
| parachute reflex | The reflex response of an infant (contraction of the limb and neck muscles) when allowed to drop a short distance through the air or startled by a sudden noise or jolt. Synonym: Moro reflex, parachute reflex, startle reaction. Synonym: cochleopalpebral reflex. (05 Mar 2000) |