| regress | To return or go back. For example, if a 5-year-old child begins to regress (and function like a much younger child), that is worrisome. (12 Dec 1998) |
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| regressing atypical histiocytosis | A rare disease characterised clinically by multiple ulcerating cutaneous papules and nodules which show spontaneous regression; the skin is infiltrated by malignant-appearing histiocytes. (05 Mar 2000) |
| regression | 1. A return to a former or earlier state. 2. A subsidence of symptoms or of a disease process. 3. <psychiatry> A return to earlier, especially to infantile, patterns of thought or behaviour, a characteristic of many mental disorders also exhibited by normal persons in many situations, for example feelings of helplessness and dependency in a patient with a serious physical illness. Origin: L. Regressio = a return (18 Nov 1997) |
| regression analysis | Procedures for finding the mathematical function which best describes the relationship between a dependent variable and one or more independent variables. In linear regression (see linear models) the relationship is constrained to be a straight line and least-squares analysis is used to determine the best fit. In logistic regression (see logistic models) the dependent variable is qualitative rather than continuously variable and likelihood functions are used to find the best relationship. In multiple regression the dependent variable is considered to depend on more than a single independent variable. (12 Dec 1998) |
| regression of the mean | If, for a symmetrical population with a single mode, a measurement, selected because it is extreme, is repeated, on average the second reading will be closer to the mean than the first. (05 Mar 2000) |
| regressive | 1. Passing back; returning. 2. Characterised by retrogression; retrogressive. Regressive metamorphism. <biology> See Catabolism. Origin: Cf. F. Regressif. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| regressive staining | A type of staining in which tissues are overstained and the excess dye is then removed selectively until the desired intensity is obtained. (05 Mar 2000) |
| regressive-reconstructive approach | A form of psychotherapy in which regression, in order to resurrect some original psychic trauma, is an integral part of the treatment. (05 Mar 2000) |