| abrasive | 1. Causing abrasion. 2. Any material used to produce abrasions. 3. A substance used in dentistry for abrading, grinding, or polishing. (05 Mar 2000) |
|---|---|
| abrasive media | <microscopy> Extremely hard materials (Diamond, SiC, Al2O3 etc.), usually in a very fine particulate form (less than 15 micrometres), used in the initial stages of specimen preparation to grind and polish samples to the desired thickness or finish. (05 Aug 1998) |
| abrasive strip | A ribbon-like piece of linen on one side of which is bonded abrasive particles; used in dentistry for contouring and polishing proximal surfaces of restorations. (05 Mar 2000) |
| abrasiveness | 1. That property of a substance which causes surface wear by friction. 2. The quality of being able to scratch or wear away another material. (05 Mar 2000) |
| abreact | 1. To show strong emotion while reliving a previous traumatic experience. 2. To discharge or release repressed emotion. (05 Mar 2000) |
| abreaction | A process in psychotherapy in which the patient is "desensitised" to emotionally painful, often forgotten (repressed) memories by recalling and reacting to them in the "safety" of the treatment setting. (12 Dec 1998) |
| abrin | <pharmacology> A highly poisonous protein found in the seeds of Abrus precatorius, the rosary pea. Abrin is toxic because it inhibits protein synthesis, causing symptoms such as internal bleeding, intestinal upset and the irritation of mucous membranes. It was formerly used to treat some chronic eye disorders and it is currently being researched as a potential chemotherapy drug. (06 May 1997) |
| abroad | 1. at large; widely; broadly; over a wide space; as, a tree spreads its branches abroad. "The fox roams far abroad." (Prior) 2. Without a certain confine; outside the house; away from one's abode; as, to walk abroad. "I went to St. James', where another was preaching in the court abroad." (Evelyn) 3. Beyond the bounds of a country; in foreign countries; as, we have broils at home and enemies abroad. "Another prince . . . Was living abroad." 4. Before the public at large; throughout society or the world; here and there; widely. "He went out, and began to publish it much, and to blaze abroad the matter." (Mark i. 45) To be abroad. To be wide of the mark; to be at fault; as, you are all abroad in your guess. To be at a loss or nonplused. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| abrupt | Sudden and unexpected. (18 Nov 1997) |
| abrupt cessation | <pharmacology> Refers to after suddenly stopping the medication. (06 Oct 1997) |
| abruptio placentae | <obstetrics> This is the premature separation of the placenta, i.e. Separation of the placenta from the site of implantation on the uterus before the delivery of the foetus. It is a life threatening condition for the foetus and occurs about 1 in 500 to 750 deliveries. (09 Oct 1997) |
| abruption | A tearing away, separation, or detachment. (05 Mar 2000) |
| abruptly | 1. In an abrupt manner; without giving notice, or without the usual forms; suddenly. 2. Precipitously. <botany> Abruptly pinnate, pinnate without an odd leaflet, or other appendage, at the end. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| Abrus | A genus of leguminous plants. The root of Abrus precatorius, Indian liquorice, is sometimes used as a substitute for liquorice; the seeds are toxic and may cause vomiting, diarrhoea, convulsions, and death if chewed. Origin: more correctly Habrus, from G. Habros, graceful (05 Mar 2000) |