| vermicular | Relating to, resembling, or moving like a worm. Origin: L. Vermiculus, dim. Of vermis, worm (05 Mar 2000) |
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| vermicular colic | Colicky pain occurring early in acute appendicitis. Synonym: vermicular colic. (05 Mar 2000) |
| vermicular movement | <gastroenterology, physiology> The wormlike movement by which the alimentary canal or other tubular organs provided with both longitudinal and circular muscle fibres propel their contents. It consists of a wave of contraction passing along the tube for variable distances. Origin: Gr. Stalsis = contraction (18 Nov 1997) |
| vermicular pulse | A small rapid pulse, giving a wormlike sensation to the finger. (05 Mar 2000) |
| anodal closure contraction | An obsolete term for the momentary contraction of a muscle under the influence of the positive pole when the electrical circuit is established. (05 Mar 2000) |
| anodal opening contraction | An obsolete term for the momentary contraction of a muscle under the influence of the positive pole when the circuit is broken. (05 Mar 2000) |
| atrial premature contraction | <cardiology> An premature heartbeat of atrial origin. Generally nonserious and typically exacerbated by stimulant use (for example alcohol, decongestants, caffeine, nicotine). (27 Sep 1997) |
| automatic contraction | In contrast to forced beat, an ectopic beat that arises de novo and is not precipitated by the preceding beat; thus escaped and parasystolic beat's are automatic. Synonym: automatic contraction. (05 Mar 2000) |
| braxton hicks contraction | Rhythmic uterine muscle activity which occurs during the course of a pregnancy which causes no pain for the patient. (27 Sep 1997) |
| paradoxical contraction | A tonic contraction of the anterior tibial muscles when a sudden passive dorsal flexion of the foot is made. (05 Mar 2000) |
| carpopedal contraction | <clinical sign> Spasms of the hands or feet that may be seen in association with hypocalcaemia or hyperventilation. (08 Jan 1998) |
| reflex detrusor contraction | Normal coordinated function of the bladder with sustained contractions of the bladder matched by simultaneous relaxation of the sphincteric outlet mechanisms to empty the bladder. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cathodal closure contraction | An obsolete term for the momentary contraction of a muscle under the influence of the negative pole when an electrical circuit is established. (05 Mar 2000) |
| cathodal opening contraction | An obsolete term for the momentary contraction of a muscle under the influence of the negative pole when the circuit is broken. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Gowers' contraction | Contraction of the calf muscles when the anterior surface of the leg is struck. Synonym: Gowers' contraction. (05 Mar 2000) |