| continuous positive airway pressure | A technique of respiratory therapy, in either spontaneously breathing or mechanically ventilated patients, in which airway pressure is maintained above atmospheric pressure throughout the respiratory cycle by pressurization of the ventilatory circuit. (05 Mar 2000) |
|---|---|
| continuous positive pressure breathing | Artificial ventilation in which all inspirations are provided by positive pressure applied to the airway. Synonym: continuous positive pressure breathing, continuous positive pressure ventilation, intermittent positive pressure breathing, intermittent positive pressure ventilation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| continuous positive pressure ventilation | Synonym: controlled mechanical ventilation. (05 Mar 2000) |
| continuous processing | A method of bioprocessing in which new materials are added and products removed continuously at a rate that maintains the volume at a specific level. (14 Nov 1997) |
| continuous random variable | Continuous variable that may randomly assume any value in its domain but any particular value has no probability of occurring, only a probability density. (05 Mar 2000) |
| continuous spectrum | A spectrum in which there are no absorption bands or lines. (05 Mar 2000) |
| continuous spinal anaesthesia | Insertion of a catheter into the spinal subarachnoid space and leaving it in situ to permit serial intermittent injection of local anaesthetic solution for prolonged spinal anaesthesia. Synonym: fractional spinal anaesthesia. (05 Mar 2000) |
| continuous suture | An uninterrupted series of stitches using one suture; the stitching is fastened at each end by a knot. Synonym: spiral suture, uninterrupted suture. (05 Mar 2000) |
| continuous time model | <epidemiology> A model in which the system changes continuously over time. Derivatives (e.g. DY/dt ) are the mathematical formalism for describing such continuous change. The differential equation which embodies a model provides the values of these derivatives at any particular time point; calculus or a computer can then be used to move the state of the model forwards in time. Continuous models have the advantage over discrete time models in that they are more amenable to algebraic manipulation, although they are slightly harder to implement on a computer. The same as a differential equation model. (05 Dec 1998) |
| continuous tremor | A tremor that is constant, whether the subject is at rest or moving. Synonym: continuous tremor. (05 Mar 2000) |
| continuous variable | A variable that may take on any value in an interval or intervals (its domain). (05 Mar 2000) |
| activated partial thromboplastin time | The time needed for plasma to form a fibrin clot following the addition of calcium and a phospholipid reagent; used to evaluate the intrinsic clotting system. (05 Mar 2000) |
| reaction of partial identity | See: gel diffusion precipitin tests in two dimensions. (05 Mar 2000) |
| partial | 1. Of, pertaining to, or affecting, a part only; not general or universal; not total or entire; as, a partial eclipse of the moon. "Partial dissolutions of the earth." 2. Inclined to favor one party in a cause, or one side of a question, more then the other; baised; not indifferent; as, a judge should not be partial. "Ye have been partial in the law." (Mal. Ii. 9) 3. Having a predelection for; inclined to favor unreasonably; foolishly fond. "A partial parent." "Not partial to an ostentatious display." (Sir W. Scott) 4. <botany> Pertaining to a subordinate portion; as, a compound umbel is made up of a several partial umbels; a leaflet is often supported by a partial petiole. Partial differentials, Partial differential coefficients, Partial differentiation, etc. (of a function of two or more variables), the differentials, differential coefficients, differentiation etc, of the function, upon the hypothesis that some of the variables are for the time constant. <mathematics> Partial fractions, the simple tones which in combination form an ordinary tone; the overtones, or harmonics, which, blending with a fundamental tone, cause its special quality of sound, or timbre, or tone colour. See, also, Tone. Origin: F, fr. LL. Partials, fr. L. Pars, gen. Partis, a part; cf. (for sense 1) F. Partiel. See Part. Source: Websters Dictionary (01 Mar 1998) |
| partial adrenocortical insufficiency | Normal basal adrenocortical function with failure of adrenocortical reserve to respond to ACTH stimulation. (05 Mar 2000) |