| pax | 1. The kiss of peace; also, the embrace in the sanctuary now substituted for it at High Mass in Roman Catholic churches. 2. A tablet or board, on which is a representation of Christ, of the Virgin Mary, or of some saint and which, in the Mass, was kissed by the priest and then by the people, in mediaeval times; an osculatory. It is still used in communities, confraternities, etc. "Kiss the pax, and be quiet like your neighbors." (Chapman) Origin: L. Pax peace. See Peace. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| Pax gene | <molecular biology> Mouse genes that contain a DNA binding domain similar to one in the paired genes of Drosophila. 8 Pax genes have been identified and most of them are expressed in the nervous system during development. A number of mouse mutations have been found to map to Pax genes. For example: undulated, which causes distortions of the vertebral column and sternum results from a point mutations of PAX 1 and is expressed in the sclerotome. (18 Nov 1997) |
| paxil | <drug> A common prescription anti-depressant drug, it is classed as a selective serotonin reuptake inhibitor, or SSRI, which functionally means that it increases the levels of serotonin in the body. This drug, as is the case with other SSRIs, can be dangerous if they are mixed with other drugs such as other antidepressants, illicit drugs (LSD, cocaine, methamphetamine), some antihistamines (Seldane, Histmanal), some antibiotics, and calcium channel blockers. Side effects include lethargy, confusion, flushing, sweating and muscle spasms. Overdose can cause damage to red blood cells, breathing problems and kidney damage. (09 Oct 1997) |
| paxillin | <protein> Cytoskeletal protein (68 kD) that localises, like talin, to focal adhesions, to dense plaques in smooth muscle and to the myotendinous and neuromuscular junctions of skeletal muscle. Binds to vinculin. (18 Nov 1997) |
| paxillose | <geology> Resembling a little stake. Origin: L. Paxillus a small stake. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| paxillus | Origin: L, a peg. <zoology> One of a peculiar kind of spines covering the surface of certain starfishes. They are pillarlike, with a flattened summit which is covered with minute spinules or granules. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| Paxton's disease | Corynebacterium infection of axillary and pubic hairs with development of yellow (flava), black (nigra), or red (rubra) concretions around the hair shafts; frequently asymptomatic. Synonym: lepothrix, Paxton's disease, trichomycosis chromatica, trichomycosis nodosa, trichomycosis nodularis, trichomycosis palmellina, trichonocardiosis axillaris, trichonodosis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Paxton, Francis | <person> English physician, 1840-1924. See: Paxton's disease. (05 Mar 2000) |
| paxwax | <anatomy> The strong ligament of the back of the neck in quadrupeds. It connects the back of the skull with dorsal spines of the cervical vertebrae, and helps to support the head. Synonym: paxywaxy and packwax. Origin: For faxvax, fr. AS. Fea hair (akin to OHG. Fahs) + weaxan to grow. See Wax to grow, and cf. Faxed, Pectinate. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| paxywaxy | <anatomy> See Paxwax. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |