| puff | 1. To blow in puffs, or with short and sudden whiffs. 2. To blow, as an expression of scorn; with at. "It is really to defy Heaven to puff at damnation." (South) 3. To breathe quick and hard, or with puffs, as after violent exertion. "The ass comes back again, puffing and blowing, from the chase." (L' Estrange) 4. To swell with air; to be dilated or inflated. 5. To breathe in a swelling, inflated, or pompous manner; hence, to assume importance. "Then came brave Glory puffing by." (Herbert) Origin: Akin to G. Puffen to pop, buffet, puff, D. Poffen to pop, puffen to blow, Sw. Puffa to push, to cuff, Dan. Puffe to pop, thump. See: Puff. 1. A sudden and single emission of breath from the mouth; hence, any sudden or short blast of wind; a slight gust; a whiff. " To every puff of wind a slave." 2. Anything light and filled with air. Specifically: A puffball. Kind of light pastry. A utensil of the toilet for dusting the skin or hair with powder. 3. An exaggerated or empty expression of praise, especially one in a public journal. Puff adder. <medicine> Any bird of the genus Bucco, or family Bucconidae. They are small birds, usually with dull-coloured and loose plumage, and have twelve tail feathers. See: Barbet . Origin: Akin to G. & Sw. Puff a blow, Dan. Puf, D. Pof; of imitative origin. Cf. Buffet. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
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| puff-leg | <ornithology> Any one of numerous species of beautiful humming birds of the genus Eriocnemis having large tufts of downy feathers on the legs. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| puff-legged | <zoology> Having a conspicuous tuft of feathers on the legs. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| DNA puff | <molecular biology> An area on a chromosome where transcription of DNA into mRNA, or replication of DNA is occurring, resulting in an enlarged, puffy appearance of the area. Similar to chromosome puff, except generalised to any type of chromosome in any type of organism. (09 Oct 1997) |
| aaa disease | Endemic anaemia of ancient Egypt, ascribed in the Papyrus Ebers to intestinal infestation with ancylostoma; now called ancylostomiasis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| ABO haemolytic disease of the newborn | Erythroblastosis foetalis due to maternal-foetal incompatibility with respect to an antigen of the ABO blood group; the foetus possesses A or B antigen which is lacking in the mother, and the mother produces immune antibody which causes haemolysis of foetal erythrocytes. (05 Mar 2000) |
| accumulation disease | A disease characterised by abnormal accumulation of a metabolic product in certain cells and tissues; examples include the mucopolysaccharidoses, lipoidoses. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Acosta's disease | A condition that results from prolonged exposure to high altitude. Symptoms include a continuous dry cough, shortness of breath, poor exercise tolerance, dizziness, headache, sleep difficulty, anorexia, confusion, fatigue and a rapid pulse. Treatment includes the immediate movement to a lower altitude. Prophylaxis has been accomplished successfully with the use of acetazolamide (Diamox). (27 Sep 1997) |
| acquired immunodeficiency disease | Acquired immunodeficiency disease: Disease caused by infection with the human immunodeficiency virus (HIV). (12 Dec 1998) |
| acute disease | Disease having a short and relatively severe course. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Adams-Stokes disease | <syndrome> Transient asystole or ventricular fibrillation in the presence of atrioventricular block. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Addison-Biermer disease | <haematology> A form of anaemia (low red blood cell counts) that results when the bone marrow fails to produce adequate numbers of red blood cells due to a deficiency in vitamin B12. Intrinsic factor, necessary for normal B12 absorption, may be the underlying cause for B12 deficiency if is not produced in the gastric glands (in the stomach). Origin: Gr. Haima = blood (27 Sep 1997) |
| Addison's disease | <endocrinology> A rare endocrine disease that results from the underproduction of aldosterone and cortisol (hormones) by the adrenal glands. Symptoms include weakness, low blood pressure, anaemia, low blood sugar and electrolyte abnormalities. (27 Sep 1997) |
| adult-onset still's disease | Although Still's disease was first described in children, it is known to begin in adults. See: Still's disease. (12 Dec 1998) |
| Akabane disease | A disease of cattle, sheep and goats, caused by the Akabane virus and characterised by foetal or neonatal arthrogryposis and hydranencephaly, abortions, and foetal death; the causative virus is transmitted by mosquitoes in Japan and by the midge Culicoides brevitarsis in Australia. (05 Mar 2000) |