| HF | Hageman factor; haplotype frequency; hard filled [capsule]; hay fever; head of fetus; head forward; ... |
|---|---|
| LFT | latex fixation test; latex flocculation test; left fronto-transverse [fetal position]; liver functio... |
| FFF | degree of fineness of abrasive particles; field-flow fractionation; flicker fusion frequency |
| CC | calcaneal-cuboid; calcium cyclamate; cardiac catheterization; cardiac contusion; cardiac cycle; card... |
| FTC | Federal Trade Commission; follicular thyroid carcinoma; frequency threshold curve; frequency tuning ... |
| critical pathway | Schedules of medical and nursing procedures, including diagnostic tests, medications, and consultations designed to effect an efficient, coordinated program of treatment. (12 Dec 1998) |
|---|---|
| critical period | <psychology> A specific stage in animal and human development during which certain types of behaviour normally are shaped and molded for life. (12 Dec 1998) |
| critical pH | The pH range, about 5.5, at which saliva ceases to be saturated with respect to calcium and phosphate, and below which tooth mineral will dissolve. (05 Mar 2000) |
| critical point | A point at which two phases become identical; thus, at a given critical temperature and critical pressure, the liquid and gaseous state of a particular substance can no longer be differentiated. (05 Mar 2000) |
| critical point drying | <procedure> A method for preparing specimens for the scanning electron microscope that avoids the problems of shrinkage caused by normal drying procedures. Water in the specimen is replaced by an intermediate fluid, for example liquid carbon dioxide, avoiding setting up a liquid/gas interface and then the second fluid is allowed to vaporise by raising the temperature above the critical point, the temperature at which the liquid state no longer occurs. (18 Nov 1997) |
| critical pressure | The minimum pressure required to liquefy a gas at the critical temperature. (05 Mar 2000) |
| critical rate | A heart rate at which aberration or incomplete block will occur; a result of shortening of cycle length so that it barely includes the refractory period. (05 Mar 2000) |
| critical temperature | The temperature of a gas above which it is no longer possible by use of any pressure, however great, to convert it into a liquid. (05 Mar 2000) |
| critical velocity | <biology> The maximum speed a device or organism can sustain over a specified distance or length of time, or the maximum velocity against which device or organism can sustain a position over a specified length of time. <marine biology> Velocity through which a fish will not swim, creating a velocity barrier. (09 Oct 1997) |
| Sudeck's critical point | Region in the colon between the supply of the sigmoid arteries and that of the superior rectal artery. (05 Mar 2000) |
| illumination, critical | <microscopy> The formation of an image of the light source in the object field. The Nelsonian method in which the light source is imaged in the plane of the specimen. A ribbon filament or arc lamp is required to give uniform illumination, the lamp must be focusable, the filament position must be adjustable in all directions. The use of an achromatic condenser is advised. Synonym: Nelson illumination. (13 Jan 1998) |
| bounce frequency | <physics> The average frequency of oscillation of a particle trapped in a magnetic mirror as it bounces back and forth between its turning points in regions of high magnetic field. (See also trapped particle, turning points, banana orbit). (09 Oct 1997) |
| radio frequency current drive | <radiobiology> Plasma waves in the radio-frequency range can be used to push plasma particles in such a way that current forms in the plasma, this is a method of non-inductive current drive which would allow for steady-state fusion reactors to operate. (09 Oct 1997) |
| radio frequency heating | <radiobiology> Process for heating the plasma by transferring energy to ions or electrons using waves generated by an external oscillator at an appropriate frequency. (This is similar to how a microwave oven heats food.) There are various types: See: ECRH, ICRH, and Lower Hybrid. (09 Oct 1997) |
| radio frequency or radiofrequency | <physics> Term used to describe electromagnetic radiation with frequencies less than infrared, but greater than audio frequencies, i.e., greater than about 15,000 Hz. Wavelengths are therefore less than about 20,000 km and greater than about 0.01 mm. (These numbers are not precise.) (09 Oct 1997) |