| diencephalon | <anatomy, zoology> In the vertebrate central nervous system it is the most rostral part of the brainstem, consisting of the thalamus, hypothalamus, subthalamus and epithalamus. It is a key area that relays the transmission of information about sensation and movement and also contains (in the hypothalamus) important control mechanisms for homeostatic integration. (21 Jun 2000) |
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| dienestrol | <chemical> 4,4'-(1,2-diethylidene-1,2-ethanediyl)bisphenol. A synthetic, non-steroidal oestrogen structurally related to stilbestrol. It is used, usually as the cream, in the treatment of menopausal and postmenopausal symptoms. Pharmacological action: oestrogens, non-steroidal. Chemical name: Phenol, 4,4'-(1,2-diethylidene-1,2-ethanediyl)bis- (12 Dec 1998) |
| dientamoeba | <protozoa> A genus of minute protozoa that are characterised by the preponderance of binucleate over uninucleate forms, the presence of several distinct granules in the karyosome, and the lack of a cystic stage. It is parasitic in the large intestine of humans and certain monkeys. (21 Jun 2000) |
| dientamoeba diarrhoea | <gastroenterology> Diarrhoea thought to be due to infection with the flagellate, Dientamoeba fragilis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| Dientamoeba fragilis | <zoology> A species of small amoeba-like flagellates, formerly considered a true amoeba, now recognised as an amebo-flagellate related to Trichomonas. They are parasitic in the large intestine of humans and certain monkeys, and although usually nonpathogenic, they are believed to be capable causing low-grade inflammation with mucous diarrhoea and gastrointestinal disturbance in humans. See: Histomonas meleagridis. (05 Mar 2000) |
| dientamoebiasis | <microbiology> Infection with protozoa of the genus dientamoeba. (12 Dec 1998) |
| dieresis | An alternative term for solution of continuity. Origin: G. Diairesis, a division (05 Mar 2000) |
| dieretic | 1. Relating to dieresis. 2. Dividing; ulcerating; corroding. (05 Mar 2000) |
| diesel engine | A compression-ignition piston engine in which fuel is ignited by injecting it into air that has been heated (unlike a spark-ignition engine). (05 Dec 1998) |
| diesterase | Enzymes (EC sub-subclass 3.1.4) cleaving phosphodiester bonds, such as those in cAMP or between nucleotides in nucleic acids, liberating smaller poly-or oligonucleotide units or mononucleotides but not inorganic phosphate. Synonym: phosphodiester hydrolases. (05 Mar 2000) |
| diestrous | Pertaining to diestrus. (05 Mar 2000) |
| diestrus | <zoology> Period of sexual quiescence separating phases of the estrous cycle in polyestrous animals. (12 Dec 1998) |
| diet | <nutrition> Regular course of eating and drinking adopted by a person or animal. This does not include diet therapy, a specific diet prescribed in the treatment of a disease. (12 Dec 1998) |
| diet fads | Diets which become fashionable, but which are not necessarily nutritious. (12 Dec 1998) |
| diet records | Records of nutrient intake over a specific period of time, usually kept by the patient. (12 Dec 1998) |