| biclonal peak | Two narrow electrophoretic bands thought to represent immunoglobulin of two cell lines. (05 Mar 2000) |
|---|---|
| peak | The top or upper limit of a graphic tracing or of any variable. Origin: M.E. Peke, pike, fr. Sp. Pico, beak, fr. L. Picus, magpie (05 Mar 2000) |
| peak expiratory flow | The maximum flow at the outset of forced expiration, which is reduced in proportion to the severity of airway obstruction, as in asthma. (05 Mar 2000) |
| peak expiratory flow rate | Measurement of the maximum rate of airflow attained during a forced vital capacity determination. Common abbreviations are pefr and pfr. (12 Dec 1998) |
| peak flow | <chest medicine, physiology> The maximum flow rate of air breathed out during forced expiration. (15 Nov 1997) |
| peak flow rate | Maximum urinary flow rate during voiding as measured by a uroflowmeter. (05 Mar 2000) |
| peak magnitude | The greatest amplitude. (05 Mar 2000) |
| peak plasma drug concentration | <pharmacology> The highest level of drug that can be obtained in the blood usually following multiple doses. (09 Oct 1997) |
| monoclonal peak | A narrow band visible on electrophoresis or an abnormal arc seen on immunoelectrophoresis, thought to represent immunoglobulin of one cell clone. (05 Mar 2000) |
| widow's peak | A sharp point of hair growth in the midline of the anterior scalp margin, usually resulting from recession of hair of the temple areas, or occurring as a congenital configuration of scalp hair. (05 Mar 2000) |
| juxtaphrenic peak | On chest radiograph, a triangular density on top of the right diaphragmatic shadow, probably caused by tension of the phrenic nerve on the pleura over the diaphragm. (05 Mar 2000) |
| basal metabolism | <biochemistry, biology> Heat production, or its measurement, of an organism at the lowest level of cell chemistry in an inactive, awake, fasting state. It may be determined directly by means of a calorimeter or indirectly by calculating the heat production from an analysis of the end products of oxidation within the organism or from the amount of oxygen utilised. (27 Jun 1999) |
| calcium metabolism | A set of biochemical processes which act to keep the level of calcium in the blood at a constant level, with enough around to build bones and teeth. (09 Oct 1997) |
| calcium metabolism disorders | Disorders in the processing of calcium in the body: its absorption, transport, storage, and utilization. (12 Dec 1998) |
| carbohydrate metabolism | <biochemistry> The breakdown of starches and sugars into smaller units that can be used by the body for energy. (27 Sep 1997) |